Dudas Moving On From XWA Airport To Head Lincoln Nebraska

A leadership change at Williston International Airport has been announced, with Airport Director Anthony Dudas set to leave at the beginning of the year to become the Executive Director of Lincoln Airport in Nebraska, according to the City of Williston.

Dudas, who joined the city in 2011 as an Airport Operations Officer at Sloulin Field International Airport, later served as Assistant Airport Director and Airport Director. His work included overseeing the planning, financing and construction of Williston Basin International Airport.

“I want to personally thank Anthony and his family for making Williston part of their lives,” Mayor Howard Klug said. “Anthony’s guidance was instrumental in making XWA a first-class airport facility. He didn’t have many peers to call on because he is one of only a handful of Airport Directors that can say they were in charge of building an airport from the ground up. That is quite the inclusion to have on your resume. Anthony and his family also contributed to many causes in our city, and we thank them for making Williston better.”

Dudas has been active in community initiatives, including serving on the Make-A-Wish North Dakota Board of Directors, the TrainND Northwest Board and as chair of the Williston High School Aviation Program advisory committee.

“I’m extremely grateful for the past nearly 15 years I’ve had in Williston,” Dudas said. “This community welcomed me from day one, and I’ve been honored to work with an exceptional team and supportive city leadership. Together we’ve accomplished truly transformational projects, and I’m proud of what we’ve built. Leaving the place my family calls home is bittersweet, but I know the airport and community are well positioned for continued success.”

Assistant Airport Director Ryan O’Rear will serve as interim director.

“We have an airport we can be proud of in this region thanks to Anthony Dudas’ leadership for over a decade and a half,” Airport Commissioner Lucas Gjovig said. “While we are sad to lose him, we wish him well as he continues to advance his career. I have full confidence in Interim Airport Director Ryan O’Rear and the rest of the team at XWA to maintain the high standard that Anthony set.”

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City Administrator Shawn Wenko said, “I’ve been privileged to work alongside Anthony through one of the most dynamic periods of growth in Williston’s history. Leaders like Anthony are rising stars in the airline industry, and it’s inevitable that careers like his continue to grow beyond one community. While his departure is bittersweet for us as a city, we are truly excited to see what the future holds for him and grateful for the lasting impact he’s made here.”